Thursday, August 3, 2017

REDLANDS >> Several weeks after beginning home sales, the developer of a controversial housing community near the Redlands Municipal Airport is working to put city-required notifications in place.Diversified Pacific Communities was cited by the city on June 12 for failing to post signage and marketing disclosures required for new residential developments within the Redlands airport influence area, according to city spokesman Carl Baker.“Diversified Pacific has since complied with the city’s requirements by taking the following actions: posted a copy of the Airport Influence Area map in the sales office and included a notice in the leasing office as well as on marketing materials,” Baker said in an email. “The final Code Enforcement action is to have one sign installed at the tract entrance and Diversified is working with the city to complete this.”The Rancho Cucamonga-based home developer began selling homes in its North Ranch development — north of San Bernardino Avenue and east of Judson Street — at the end of May.Kristinna Sellers, vice president of sales and marketing with Diversified Pacific, cited miscommunication with the city over the map and sign, which has since been clarified.“We’re definitely on board with fully being compliant,” Sellers said. “As soon as they produce a sign and put it up we’ll be completely in compliance.”Sellers said a temporary sign was posted in her office and the disclosure is included on the brochures being handed out to potential buyers, many of whom are from the area.The lack of signage and information on the development’s Facebook page and website did not go unnoticed by Ted Gablin, president of the Redlands Airport Association.Gablin, who is among a group of pilots concerned over the development’s potential impact on airport operations, notified code enforcement after making the discovery.“It’s really kind of blowing me away, with all the attention we called to that housing tract near the airport and the thousands of dollars the city spent on consultants, that they allowed the complex to open without having all the disclosure requirements in place,” Gablin said.The 55-home residential development, which the City Council approved in June 2016, was tied up for several months due to inconsistencies found in the city’s airport land use planning documents.Redlands pilots were vocal in their opposition to the development because of its proximity to the airport. Pilots were, and continue to be, concerned over the potential impact housing encroachment can have on airport operations.They also expressed concern about the development’s location beneath the helicopter flight pattern.In December 2016, the City Council approved an agreement with Diversified to build the model homes, which came with the requirement to notify potential buyers about the nearby airport.At that time, Councilman Jon Harrison had asked city staff to ensure that the disclosures were there as the model homes opened to encourage more airport-friendly buyers.“I just don’t think we have aviation people at the city and I think they didn’t put two and two together on how important it is,” Gablin said. “Do I think they did it maliciously? No I don’t think so; it’s just not important to the city. That’s why it’s important that when we see things like that to call it to their attention.”Eight of the homes have been sold, Sellers said, and two have been reserved. As of Tuesday afternoon, one home remained available for sale.The goal is for residents to start moving into the first phase by the end of the year, she said.“It’s been such a well-received community and I just think people around here are so excited about it,” Sellers said.http://www.redlandsdailyfacts.com